Effects of Short-Term Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation Combined with Strength Training on the Physical Fitness Characteristics and Muscle Hypertrophy in Junior Women Wrestlers

Abstract

Background Creatine is a nutritional supplement commonly used to increase strength performance and muscle mass, but its effects on female wrestlers are still unclear and equivocal. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the efficacy of short-term creatine monohydrate supplementation combined with strength training on the physical fitness characteristics and muscle hypertrophy in junior women wrestlers. Methodology Eighteen women wrestlers (age = 18.7 ± 0.9 years, body mass index = 21.4 ± 2.5 kg/m2) participated in this research. Participants were randomly divided into three groups: Experimental Group 1—EXP1: (training with creatine supplementation), Experimental Group 2—EXP2: (training without creatine supplementation), and Control group (without training or creatine supplementation). Strength training was performed for 6 weeks, four sessions per week, with a training intensity ranging from 65 to 75% of the maximal heart rate reserve and one-repetition maximum. EXP1 was supplemented with 10 g creatine during training days. Various physical fitness characteristics and muscle hypertrophy variables were collected at three time points (pretest, midtest, and posttest). Results A number of variables were significantly improved in the EXP1 after 6 weeks (weight, body mass index, one-repetition maximum, agility, muscular power, and hypertrophy) but not in the EXP2 and control groups. Conclusion Short-term creatine supplementation, in conjunction with strength training, emerges as a highly effective approach for enhancing hypertrophy and boosting physical fitness factors in female wrestlers. Therefore, it is recommended that junior wrestlers individuals supplement with creatine during their strength training routines.